Bangalore: Don't induct Renukacharya into KJP: Shobha to Yeddy
Keshava Baragoor
Political Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore
Bangalore, Mar 30: In an interesting political development, Shobha Karandlaje, former state minister and now Karnataka Janata Party (KJP) leader has reportedly asked Yeddyurappa not to welcome Renukacharya into KJP.
On the other hand, Renukacharya, former excise minister, expelled from BJP for his allegations of corruption against D V Sadananda Gowda last week, is busy making preparations to join KJP in his native place Honnahalli.
"I am all set to join KJP in the presence of party surpemo B S Yeddyurappa, who has already agreed to induct me in the party and promised me ticket. I am joining the party in the presence of 60,000 of my supporters from Honnalli," said Renukacharya to daijiworld when contacted on phone.
On why BJP expelled him despite he being loyal to them and willing to contest from BJP, Renukacharya said, some 'jealous' leaders in BJP gave false information to the new party president Prahlad Joshi about him. "Those corrupt leaders could not tolerate my presence in BJP so they expelled me. They should have at least given me notice before expelling," he said.
When asked if Shobha has agreed to induct him in KJP, he said, "Yeddyurappa is my leader he has agreed to welcome me in KJP, I cannot comment on Shobha."
On the other hand, Shobha Karandlaje is not happy with Renukacharya's entry into KJP, as she cannot forget how he was one of the masterminds in removing her from the ministry during Yeddyurappa's regime.
"Along with Janardhana Reddy, Renukacharya plotted my exit from the state cabinet. Do not trust him, he will spoil the party. So better to keep him out," Shobha reportedly warned Yeddyurappa last evening in Bangalore.
It may be recalled that Yeddyurappa had wept in public when he had dropped Shobha from the cabinet to make a peace with Reddy and group to retain his CM chair.
Only time will tell if Yeddyurappa can convince Shobha to welcome Renukacharya, or whether Renukacharya will knock at JD(S) door. That is the only option left with the former excise minister if he is rejected by KJP.